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Orthotics

Orthotics and arch supports are regularly recommended by physiotherapists and podiatrists for the relief of foot pain, heel pain, shin pain, knee pain and back pain. Often, a biomechanical mal-alignment or lack of stability from the foot region can cause abnormal loads on the body.

Orthotic’s are custom foot supports, made from casts or scans of the feet, and incorporate measurements of your foot and legs. Most orthotics will last 5 to 10 years, and need to be changed if outgrown by one and a half shoe sizes. They are also available in a range of styles, ensuring there is an orthotic to fit almost any style of footwear.

Many orthotics have an intrinsic 5° rear-foot varus (with the exception of the High Heel model) to aid in realigning the rear-foot, in addition to a triangular shaft and mid-foot stabiliser to allow weight to be evenly dispersed across the metatarsals.

Although some people adapt to orthotics quickly, it is recommended that a gradual adjustment should be made, by wearing them a few hours more each day. Orthotics should be comfortable and used every day in all shoes.

What will orthotics do to my feet?

Assist foot movement

Reduce weight bearing forces

Aid rehabilitation from fractures after the removal of a cast

Correct the shape and function of the foot,

Provide ease of movement

Reduce pain

What do orthotics correct?There are four common conditions for which orthotics have the most potential to help:

Plantar fasciitis, a common painful inflammation of the sole of the foot, most easily recognized by its tendency to cause pain first thing in the morning.

Arthritis, which often affects joints of the foot.

Diabetes, which intereferes with circulation in the feet, requiring custom shoe modifications or custom-built footwear.

Metatarsalgia, a painful foot disorder that affects the bones and joints at the ball of the foot.

Other potentially treatable conditions include: patellofemoral knee pain, shin splints, achilles tendonitis, and bunions, as well as numerous systemic pathologies that (like diabetes) affect the function of the lower limbs.

Should you find that your getting pain whilst running, Mike Varney Physiotherapy offer gait analysis and orthotic fitting as part of our treatment sessions. To find out more about the orthotics we offer please visit our products page or our orthotics guide. To book in for a gait analysis please phone 01279 414959.